Warning after burglars ransack 10 Southport homes in 10 days

BURGLARS preyed on 10 homes in Southport in just 10 days, Homewatch members have warned.

The association and Southport police are now warning people to be on their guard and offering security advice.

The crimes all took place between February 10 and February 19 in and around the resort.

They are not thought to be linked.

Already a 31-year-old man has been charged after a home in Compton Road in Birkdale was burgled on Valentines Day.

John McDougall of Broom Road, Southport, has been charged with burglary and criminal damage and will appear before magistrates on March 8.

Properties in Portland Street, Handsworth Walk, High Park Road, Folkestone Road, Pine Grove, Manning Road, Bold Street and Riding Street have all be targeted during the past two weeks, with Southport North East neighbourhood the worst affected.

A pair of juveniles aged 14 and 15 from Southport, have been charged with the daylight burglary of a home in Handsworth Walk.

The 14-year-old has been bailed to reappear before magistrates and the 15-year-old has been sentenced to eight months imprisionment in a young offenders institution.

A report to Southport Home Watch members said: “These statistics show one burglary for each of the 10 days.

“Three of these may have been avoided as the properties in Portland Street, High Park Road and Folkestone Road were left insecure.

“It is advisable to keep both front and back doors secure at all times even when you are in the house.”

Sergeant Paul Riding, of Southport North East said: “We have made a number of arrests and a lot are the result of observant members of the public contacting us, and we would encourage people to continue to phone the police with any information.”